Who Is Egon Krenz? Age, Biography and Wiki
Egon Krenz was born on March 19, 1937. As of 2025, he is 88 years old. Krenz is famously recognized as the antepenultimate head of state of East Germany and is noted for being the last leader from the Socialist Unity Party (SED). His political career was marked by significant changes during the tumultuous period of East Germany's transition towards reunification with West Germany. Krenz's leadership was brief yet pivotal during the late 1980s.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1937 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Kolberg, Province of Pomerania, Free State of Prussia, Nazi Germany (now Kołobrzeg, Poland) |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Germany |
Popularity
Egon Krenz's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details regarding Egon Krenz's height and weight have not been publicly disclosed, and as he ages, traditional body measurements become less relevant compared to his lifelong contributions to political history. However, it is known that Krenz has maintained a relatively stable physique throughout his later years.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Egon Krenz has largely kept his personal life private. As of 2025, he is believed to be single and has not publicly disclosed any romantic relationships or partnerships. His family background includes ties to the historical and political fabric of East Germany, yet specific details about his close relationships remain undisclosed.
Following popular protests against East Germany's communist government, the SED Politburo voted to remove Honecker on 18 October 1989, and Krenz was elected as the new General Secretary of the SED Central Committee.
Krenz had been approached several months earlier about ousting Honecker, but was reluctant to move against a man he called "my foster father and political teacher".
He was initially willing to wait until the seriously ill Honecker died, but by October was convinced that the situation was too grave to wait for what he had called "a biological solution".
Net Worth and Salary
Egon Krenz's net worth is estimated to be modest considering his political background, with sources indicating it to be around $1 million. His salary during his political tenure was standard for a head of state, but post-political career, Krenz has engaged in speaking engagements and has participated in several documentaries, contributing to his income.
Career, Business, and Investments
Krenz’s career began in politics as he rose through the ranks of the SED. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Krenz became a critical figure in the reunification discussions. After his political career, Krenz shifted towards writing and public speaking, providing insights on socialism and the history of East Germany. Additionally, he has involved himself in various business ventures related to political consultancy and historical research.
Throughout his career, Krenz held a number of prominent positions in the SED. He was Honecker's deputy from 1984 until he succeeded him in 1989 amid protests against the regime. Krenz was unsuccessful in his attempt to retain the Communist regime's grip on power.
The SED gave up its monopoly of power some weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Krenz was forced to resign shortly afterward. He was expelled from the SED's successor party on 21 January 1990. In 2000, he was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for manslaughter for his role in the Communist regime.
After his release from prison in 2003, he retired to the small town of Dierhagen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. He remained on parole until the end of his sentence in 2006. Together with Karel Urbánek from Czechoslovakia, Krenz is the last former General Secretary from the Eastern Bloc still alive.
Social Network
As of 2025, Krenz is not particularly active on major social media platforms, reflecting his preference for privacy. However, he occasionally gives interviews or participates in panels discussing his experiences and the political climate of his time, which are often covered by news outlets and public forums.
Despite many protests, the Volkskammer elected Krenz to both of Honecker's major state posts—Chairman of the Council of State and Chairman of the National Defence Council. The former post was equivalent to that of president, while the latter post made Krenz commander-in-chief of the National People's Army.
For only the second time in the Volkskammer's forty-year history, the vote was not unanimous (the first was on the law on abortion); 26 deputies voted against and 26 abstained.
Education
Egon Krenz's educational background primarily includes training in Marxist-Leninist ideology, which was standard for many SED leaders. He was educated at the University of Jena where he studied sociology, contributing largely to his understanding of societal structures, which he engaged with throughout his political career.
